Recipe: Cosmo Slushy

While the Cosmopolitan Cocktail (Cosmo for short) may be pink, it is anything but a frilly drink. When made correctly, the Cosmo delivers a delicious sip of cold smooth vodka flavored with a splash of cranberry juice, orange-flavored Cointreau, and a squeeze of fresh lime to finish. Like many cocktails, this one is often made incorrectly with way too much cranberry juice, so I wanted to make sure readers of The Cocktail Clubget to taste what a great Cosmo is.

This Cosmo Slushy is a new twist on the classic cocktail. It's a simple do-ahead recipe that's perfect for serving guests on a nice warm day.

The Cocktail Club is all about exploring cocktails with your friends and having some good food along with it. By having a cocktail club, you're challenging yourself to taste-test all sorts of spirits. From classics like the Negroni and the Manhattan to new twists like the Suppressor #2 and this Cosmo Slushy, you're sure to find something you like in every category of drinks. Most months are focused on a base spirit like gin or whiskey and some indulge in a style of cocktail like pitcher drinks or frozen cocktails like this one.

You don't need any special equipment for this slushy cocktail — just a freezer-safe container and spot in your freezer for it. While it is slushy and may be served with a little spoon for ease of enjoyment, don't let the icy exterior fool you. This is still a cocktail and should be consumed with care. Serve this for happy hour on the deck or while lounging in the backyard on your next stay-cation, and you'll see that while this drink is pink, it's still a seriously delicious cocktail.

P.S. If ever you are served a red Cosmo, send it back. Your Cosmo should be pale pink. Too red will undoubtedly be too sweet.

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Maureen Petrosky writes what she knows: food, booze and parties. Author of "The Wine Club," "The Cocktail Club" and makerlifestyle.com, she's a regular on The TODAY show, where she shares her vices (and advice) with the world.